I am a perfectionist. Sometimes. Okay, most of the time. In my defense, it’s a characteristic of an alpha female. I have to remember that “done is better than perfect” and that “perfect is the enemy of the good.” I sometimes will spend up to two hours finding the perfect picture for a post. Then I give up because after two hours, I need to move on to something else. Finding pictures isn’t my only problem. It’s taking them. Every year during the holidays we sit together and take a family photo for our Christmas card. This year we took 128...
There is No Way To Be a Perfect Mother
Being a mom can be so hard. And often we’re so hard on ourselves. We stress, worry, beat ourselves up over what we could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve done differently. But one of my favorite mom quotes helps me keep this job in perspective when I’m having a bad day. Below is a post I wrote after having a really bad day as a mom. It was written a few years ago but even as I read it now I want to say ouch. Thank goodness our children are forgiving and their hearts big. Originally posted by me on 5.6.11 on MamaLaw....
A Merry Christmas Starts With The Christmas Tree & Holiday Essentials
Our outdoor Christmas lights are up, I’ve already made a big dent in buying Christmas gifts, and I have some great ideas on activities we’ll do with the kids over the Christmas holiday. What’s left? The Christmas tree. Today we’re going to buy our Christmas tree and finish decorating our home for our favorite time of the year. The night we decorate our tree is when the Christmas season officially starts for us. It really gets us into the holiday spirit. Together we pick the best tree – it must be fat, full, and tall. In other words, big! If it...
How to Prepare the Perfect Guest Room
The holidays are in full swing. Christmas decorations are up, holiday cards have been ordered or sent, and we’re eagerly awaiting family visiting from out of town. I was reminded a few weeks ago when I saw the Best Man Holiday that I need to freshen up our guest room to get it ready for our guests. I loved so many things about that movie including the set. The house, the guest rooms, the decor — amazing! Although not everyone can leave expensive bottles of champagne with Crystal flutes for our guests, there are certainly a few things we can...
Get the Facts on the Flu Vaccine… Then Get Vaccinated!
The nasty flu bug hits our house every year, especially around the holidays. And each year when I walk into our pediatrician’s office with a feverish child she reminds me how important it is to get the flu vaccine. My children suffer from asthma that really only flares up when they have a cold or the flu. When it flares it up, it gets pretty nasty. With National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) starting on December 8, I thought I’d share important facts on the flu I learned from an interview with Dr. Fierro, one of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) health experts....
A Girl’s Guide to Understanding Football
Ladies, are you ready for some football? Football season is in full swing with the Play Offs and Super Bowl still a few months away. Many wives and girl friends call themselves football widows this time of year as their men disappear for hours for NFL Sunday, Monday Night Football, and the Thursday night game. For many years I was the same way until I finally took some time to understand the game. Now I enjoy at least one game a week and even go the games for more than just a fun tailgate. Below are eight tips for...
4 Tips for Keeping Your Low-Carb Diet During the Holidays
I’m on my fourth week of following a low carb diet plan. I started with Atkins and now only do very minimal carbohydrates. With the holidays approaching, I knew that I would be up for a challenge to keep my carbs low and not ruin everything I have worked hard for– a six pound weight-loss and more to come. It’s not easy to follow a low-carb diet during the holidays but with some simple planning, together we can stick to it and still enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas meal! Here are a few tips that have worked for me...
Recipe: Chimichurri Ribs
I love cooking, but I don’t always love spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe for Rosemary & Chimichurri Ribs is not only easy but delicious! I’ll be bringing it along for an alternative dish for Thanksgiving. The rosemary gives it that delicious, fall flavor. What’s chimichurri sauce? You may be surprised. Chimichurri sauce is an Argentinian sauce used primarily for meat and seafood. Most often it is used for grilling but can also be used as a dipping sauce. The ingredients are pretty simple: olive oil, finely chopped parsley, oregano, rosemary, and minced garlic. Sure you can make the sauce from scratch. Or you...
Three Ways To Practice Giving With Children
We always remind our children how blessed they are. And as my father-in-law always reminds us, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Thanksgiving is the time of year where we can encourage our children to give by either donating their gently used toys or buying new items for a deserving family. Giving helps foster an attitude of gratitude during a time of year when they are use to receiving. It also helps parents raise good community citizens. While we get ready for the busy holiday season, take a little time out with kids and give to others. Here are three simple...
DIY Design Inspiration For the Holidays
I love unique, indie-style homes, especially around the holidays.* Most people don’t know this but I am a crafter at heart. If I had the time (famous last words) I would totally be making everything from my own window treatments to these super cute homemade treat bags for Halloween. I once made a beautiful duvet with pillows for our guest room but it took me about two years to finish it. (Technically, it was mostly finished if you don’t count sewing the final seam on the duvet.) But anyhoo, I was really excited to learn that Minted.com has a new feature...